Bike riding is a popular activity for thousands of Californians. It provides enjoyment, stress management, and physical health benefits. Cycling also is an environmentally friendly way to get around. Unfortunately, bike accidents do happen, but wearing a helmet can help prevent serious head injury. It might even mean the difference between life and death.
Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in California?
Yes, if you are a child who is 17 years old or younger. The law also applies to children who ride on public property, streets, or designated bike paths and trails. Although adults aged 18 years and older don’t have a legal obligation to wear helmets, it’s still a good idea for them to put one on.
In California, wearing a helmet is not just about safety; it’s the law for children under 18. Whether you’re a child or an adult, riding a bike without a helmet could make you more vulnerable to severe head injury and possibly death. It also can cost you money and non-financial headaches.
The California Bike Helmet Law
What does the law say? Article 4 of the California Vehicle Code requires that anyone under the age of 18 who rides a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or other public bike path or trail wear a bike helmet that meets safety standards. Article 4 also applies to minor passengers of a bike trailer or a passenger seat attached to the bike.
The law doesn’t just apply to bicycles. Article 4 of the California Vehicle Code also states that children have to wear a helmet when they ride any non-motorized scooter or skateboard. This requirement also applies to roller blades or skates that the child uses on any public grounds, designated paths and trails, or the street.
What about people over 17?
There are no laws in California—or any other U.S. state—that mandates bike helmets for adults over 18 years of age. Adults have the freedom to decide for themselves. Nevertheless, proponents of the law typically argue that helmets are an important safeguard for cyclists of any age.
Not just any helmet will do. A bike helmet that complies with the California law must pass safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards ensure that the helmet fits properly and adequately to protect the head against impact.
Don’t confuse the bike helmet law with motorcycle helmet laws. Just like a car or motorcycle, a bicycle is a vehicle; it’s another mode of transportation that gets you from one point to another. However, helmet laws differ across vehicles. For example, in California, people of all ages who ride or … click here to read further information.
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This article is created successfully on August 04, 2023 at 12:13PM
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